Airport News
Below are news items relating to specific airports
Airport bosses back aviation jobs campaign – Doncaster
Doncaster Robin Hood Airport are backing a campaign which they claim could create thousands of new jobs in the region. Flying Matters, a pro-aviation coalition, has launched an industry-wide bid to encourage politicians to support continued airport modernisation and development around the UK, claiming it will bring work to the UK and Doncaster. The airport has recently applied to lift certain nightime restrictions to help attract freight business. (Star)
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Lobbyists raise pressure on Heathrow
Even if the government approves the £9bn scheme, BAA say a 3rd runway is unlikely to be in operation before 2020. Business is pressing the government to allow more intensive use of the existing 2 runways first. Lobby groups say that initial extra capacity should be used to improve existing operations rather than adding flights. Some, including London First, say the punctuality of services should be improved before airlines expand their networks. (FT)
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Emma Thompson joins forces with Greenpeace to buy Heathrow runway land
The actress Emma Thompson, Alastair McGowan and Zac Goldsmith have joined forces with Greenpeace to buy an area of land in the middle of the site proposed for a third runway at Heathrow. The buyers hope the move will block the airport's expansion. If BAA get the go-ahead to build a runway, the Government could make a compulsary purchase. Greenpeace have vowed to fight any attempt to buy the land and point to years of experience. (Telegraph)
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‘Back Heathrow’s third runway and safeguard over 200,000 jobs’, urges Unite
The UK's leading union is urging the Government to give the green light to the construction of a 3rd runway at Heathrow. The call comes amid "mounting frustration" that the go-ahead to modernise Heathrow, the UK's only international hub airport, has been delayed. Unite is concerned delay further damages Heathrow's reputation and leaves 172,000 workers uncertain about their future. They claim expansion would create 50,000 jobs. (Unite press release)
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Pro Heathrow Runway Campaigners Take Out Ads
Airline chiefs have joined business leaders and trade unionists in calling for a 3rd runway at Heathrow. In newspaper adverts they say it is vital for jobs, economic growth, investment and the long-term competitiveness of the UK's economy. The runway supporters are members of "Future Heathrow", which believes that the current economic conditions only underscore the need to take decisions now that would help safeguard the UK's economic future. (Yahoo news)
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Go-ahead for development will intensify debate on air quality and noise pollution
The widely expected approval of a 2rd runway at Heathrow this week will not end the heated debate over the environmental consequences. According to government policy, a new runway and an increase in flights on the existing runways must meet 3 criteria: EU air quality guidelines, noise pollution limits and better public transport links. The 3rd runway would have to operate far below capacity for the first 10 years to avoid breaching noise limits. (Guardian)
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Labour rebels opposed to third runway give backing to new airport in Thames estuary
Rebel Labour MPs are stepping up their campaign against a proposed 3rd runway at Heathrow, which could be approved by the government this week, by backing plans for a new London airport. A cross-party parliamentary group will be launched this week to promote the construction of an airport on the Thames estuary. The proposal, which would divert flights away from London, was mooted by Boris Johnson, but is gathering support against. (Guardian)
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Public Back High-Speed Rail over Heathrow Expansion by Four to One: New Poll
A poll of 1,000 UK adults, carried out by ICM on 19th and 21st December, shows that - when asked which option between a new high speed rail link, or expanding Heathrow - 18% went for Expanded Heathrow and 74% for New high speed rail link. This was in answer to the question: "Which option do you think would be better for Britain – an expanded Heathrow or a new high speed rail link?" (Woodnewton Associates)
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Heathrow Airport rail bid to raise £10m
Arup sets up Heathrow Hub project as politicians unite over radical transport scheme. Plans for a high-speed rail link from London to the north via Heathrow have taken a step forward with the formation of a development company to start work on the project. Heathrow Hub has been set up by Arup. The plan would see a TGV-style rail line running west of London via Heathrow and then turning north -and has gained impetus due to the public backing of senior politicians. (Times)
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Real battle begins over 3rd runway at Heathrow
The expected announcement from Brown that the runway is to go ahead will lead to fierce fighting between politicians, businessmen, environmentalists and residents near the airport. Labour MPs will turn against each other and Conservative MPs will squabble over how best to make political capital out of the dispute – and what is the best alternative to Heathrow expansion. Environmentalists concerned by the damage airport expansion causes are expected to step up their demonstrations, including militant protests. (Telegraph)